Goal: Bring public attention to the endangered pangolin by publishing educational information.

Pangolins, also known as scaly anteaters, are currently threatened by illegal poaching and wildlife trade. These shy, unobtrusive nocturnal animals are being harvested for their meat and hides. Although two out of four Asian pangolin species are endangered and the other two species are threatened, pangolin trade is still flourishing due to a lack of public attention and recognition. Pangolins are among the most numerous illegally traded animals in Southeast Asia and they must be protected. Urge the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world’s largest endangered species conservation organization, to bring about public awareness to pangolins and their plight.

International trade in pangolin species was banned in 2000. However, these animals are still highly prized targets for wildlife traffickers in Asia. Pangolins are the only mammals that have scales, making them highly unusual and distinctive. Many wildlife buyers believe the scales contain medicinal properties and can cure various diseases, including asthma and certain cancers. Pangolins are extremely rare and may be sold for as much as $1,000 each on the black market.

Despite their protection, pangolins are still being poached. In January, four Chinese nationals were caught smuggling 189 pangolin skins into Jakarta. In 2011, 7.5 tons of pangolin meat was also discovered in Jakarta. In addition, many pangolins are transported live to ensure meat is fresh, but a large number die of hunger, thirst, and neglect during the transportation.

As insectivores, pangolins are important to the environment. The loss of pangolin populations would alter the ecosystem of tropical forests due to the rise in ants and termites. The low profile of pangolins makes it difficult for conservation efforts to be put in place. Pangolins are not attracting as much attention from the public and from authorities as tigers, rhinoceroses, and other illegally traded wildlife. It is crucial for WWF to increase public awareness of the pangolin. Sign the petition below to ask Ginette Hemley of the WWF to start campaigning for pangolin conservation.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Ms. Hemley,

I would like to bring to your attention the threats to the pangolin species. As you may know, illegal poaching and illegal trade threaten pangolin populations in Asia. Although several pangolin species are listed as endangered and threatened, pangolins are still among the most numerous illegally traded animals in Southeast Asia. There is not enough public attention and recognition for the pangolin. I would like to urge you and WWF to increase public awareness to pangolins and their plight.

Pangolins are highly prized targets for wildlife traffickers in Asia. As the only mammals with scales, pangolins are thought to contain medicinal properties. Wildlife buyers will purchase pangolin hides, scales, and meat. Some pangolins are also bought and traded live, which is inhumane and cruel in nature. Although international trade in pangolin species was banned more than a decade ago, pangolins are still being poached and sold by the hundreds.

These animals need increased protection through increased public recognition. Pangolins are not attracting as much attention from authorities as other illegally traded wildlife. In order to increase conservation efforts for pangolins, I would like to ask you to begin a campaign for pangolins.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Soggydan via Flickr

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Just because the Asians involved are uncontrollably numerous, and rank as ‘humans’, does not mean they can impose their backward ways on the rest of the world. NOR that they can make defenceless creatures suffer their sheer ignorance and greed. What are they going to do when there are no pangolins (or other animals for that matter) left? Eat humans “soaked in wine” presumably? – The goings-on in Asia , as far as wildlife, the environment, and all animal life are concerned – are DISGUSTING. AND it is UNWORTHY for any widely known organization like the WWF to further tolerate them! Enough is enough!!!

Pangolins are now the most trafficked endangered animal on the planet. We work in an IUCN group to try to help the 8 pangolin species from extinction, but pro-bono work and nonprofit actions are overwhelmed by the continuing demand and massive criminal syndicate profits.
Pangolin Research Mundulea

I cannot understand why on earth MUST ALL PRECIOUS ANIMALS be killed and always in the most vicious manner. I do not see the necessity to kill animals. Like the humans all animals are on earth with a purpose, definitely not to be killed and even extinct. These murderers MUST be killed as well – sorry to put it so harsh, but they do not have any feelings and they deserve to be eliminated from earth, the story they are telling to the world that these animals are used for medicine etc is bull. It is TIME THE PEOPLE ON MOTHER EARTH WHO APPRECIATE LIFE AND ALL ON IT STAND TOGETHER IN THIS CRUEL AND HORRIBLE THINGS HAPPENING TO PRECIOUS ANIMALS.